Featured April 24, 2025 Partnership launches online bootcamp for public servants transitioning out of the federal sector Back to Blog What federal communicators need to know about career transitions Date October 8, 2025 Authors James Tran Tags Workforce The Partnership for Public Service recently hosted a panel discussion and networking event with SKDK, a leading strategic communications firm, to help federal communicators navigate career transitions. The panel was moderated by the Partnership’s Will Jenkins and featured four former federal communicators who moved into the nonprofit, corporate, and state and local government sectors: Rebecca Grapsy, software communications manager at the Ford Motor Company Leah Hunter, assistant secretary for external affairs for the Maryland Department of Health Valerie Keys, director of public affairs at SKDK Natalia Vanegas, vice president of communications at the National Council of Nonprofits. Event panelists. From left to right: Will Jenkins, Leah Hunter, Rebecca Grapsy, Valerie “VK” Keys and Natalia Vanegas. Advice for federal employees transitioning to other sectors 1. Translate your federal experiences Federal communicators bring strong experience in organizational leadership, project management, crisis management and more. But they may have to do some translating to ensure future employers appreciate the full value of this expertise. Rebecca Grapsy encouraged federal employees looking for a job to tailor their resumes to the role they are applying for. “[A] resume is not a background check, it’s a marketing document,” she said. Panelists also encouraged job seekers to seek opportunities where their values align with those of a future employer. 2. Nurture your networks Relationships with colleagues, supervisors, mentors and others can help job seekers find new opportunities. Natalia Vanegas talked about using “LinkedIn strategically, whether that’s reaching out to potential employers or following up after applying for a job.” Other panelists described how fostering relationships with the people they work with—both during and after a job—can open new doors to future opportunities and help inform career transitions. Having a referral or a point of contact in an organization can help job seekers get their foot in the door. 3. Keep exploring Career paths are not linear, so it is helpful to stay flexible about what a new job might look like. Panelists cautioned job seekers that it can take two or three times longer than they expect to land a job. Sometimes unexpected roles can help strengthen skills and potentially open a door to more opportunities. Leah Hunter talked about how people around her “[had] this ‘aha!’ moment” where they realized what they were passionate about and what career they wanted to pursue. “I was curious in exploring careers outside public service, but, in the end, I came back to public service. [Give] yourself permission to think about something different or go a different direction,” she said, reflecting on her own path. 4. Practice self-care Transitions can be stressful, so self-care is important. Job seekers should use the time in between jobs to be productive in their communities, networks or professional development. And taking time to rest and relax is important, too. “It might be hard to take care of yourself or find time to relax, but it’s important—because you don’t want to start a new job feeling exhausted or thinking, ‘I don’t even know how I’m going to walk in on the first day with a smile,’” Keys said. Panelists encouraged job seekers to find an activity, whether reading, a hobby or taking a course, that can shift their mindset and expand their skills. The Partnership for Public Service’s FedSupport Hub offers many resources for federal employees transitioning out of government. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest updates.
